focal · easy · mid
Bird of paradise
Strelitzia reginae · aka strelitzia, crane flower
The bird of paradise is instantly recognisable — an orange-and-blue bird-shaped inflorescence that has become the visual shorthand for tropical floristry. One stem carries multiple 'birds' that emerge in sequence over 2-3 weeks, giving unusually long display value. The signature flower of Hawaiian and California modernist arrangements.
At a glance
| Family | Strelitziaceae |
|---|---|
| Origin | South Africa; commercially grown California, Hawaii, Colombia |
| Peak season | all year |
| Availability | all year |
| Stem length | 70–130 cm |
| Vase life | 14–28 days |
| Colors | orange, white, blue |
| Price tier | mid |
Conditioning
Cut on a diagonal, deep water. Woody stem — split base 2 cm for uptake.
Care in the vase
- •Instantly recognisable orange-and-blue bird-shaped inflorescence
- •Multiple 'birds' emerge from one bract over 2-3 weeks
- •Long vase life — one of the most durable exotics
- •Toxic if ingested
